Champagne lovers will find a number of compelling new
releases in the market this summer. Once confined mostly to celebrations and
special events, Champagne continues to grow in popularity as a wine to drink
year-round. And why not? Champagne is one of the most versatile wines in the world. Best of all, consumers have never had more choices across the entire
stylistic spectrum.

Salon, Le Mesnil-sur-Oger

Readers will note that some houses are releasing their 2009 tête
de cuvées ahead of their 2008s,
which makes sense given the relative approachability for the former and the
tightly wound, nervous style of the latter, qualities that were evident when I tasted the vins clairs from those harvests many years ago. Where possible, I have provided
reviews for both vintages. Full coverage of new releases from
Champagne will follow this fall.